TRR photo by Michel Legrand Gasoline prices at this Exxon station in Matamoras, PA reflect the upward spiral in national energy costs. (Click for larger image)

Hinchey blasts energy policy

WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Maurice Hinchey (NY-22) grilled U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham at an Interior Appropriations Subcommittee hearing last week. Hinchey took Abraham and the Bush Administration to task for shortchanging energy efficiency programs in the proposed budget for fiscal year 2004.

The Energy Conservation Budget, which is under the jurisdiction of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, is reduced by $22 million below the 2003 level in the Bush Administration’s proposal.

“It is astounding to me that you are proposing to cut energy efficiency programs at a time when gas prices and heating bills are skyrocketing,” Hinchey said.

According to the energy department, regular gasoline prices in the central Atlantic states, including New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, averaged $1.665 for the week of March 3, up $.54 from last year.